By Wezzie Gausi:
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has expressed concern over what it describes as high school dropout rates among girls in Malawi.
Secretary for Education Mangani Katundu said the dropout rate among girls surpasses that of their male counterparts, primarily due to inadequate or lack of sanitary facilities.
Katundu was speaking in Lilongwe during an interaction with the media.
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He said many girls feel uncomfortable managing their hygiene needs, which results in their absence from school during crucial times each month.
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“To tackle this challenge, the ministry has commenced the construction of changing rooms for girls. Additionally, we are establishing accommodation units for female teachers in rural areas to encourage girls to remain in school.
“Female teachers act as role models, motivating girls to continue their education. We are dedicated to providing all necessary support to ensure girls can pursue their studies,” Katundu said.
Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe highlighted several factors contributing to the higher dropout rates among girls.
He cited cultural norms, such as early marriages and gender biases, which discourage girls from pursuing education.
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Kondowe added that economic barriers also play a role, as families often prioritise boys’ education due to financial constraints, expecting girls to contribute to household chores or income.
“Inadequate school facilities, including the absence of separate toilets, greatly affect girls’ attendance. Gender-based violence and harassment within schools further discourage girls from attending classes.
“Insufficient support systems during menstruation and other challenges also contribute to higher absenteeism and dropout rates among girls,” he said.
He recommended measures to address the issues, including community engagement to educate and inform people about the importance of girls’ education and to combat harmful cultural practices.
According to the 2022 Malawi Education Fact Sheet, 28 percent of students repeat classes while 7 percent drop out.
The fact sheet states that girls have higher dropout rates than boys, while more boys repeat classes than girls. The majority of cases occur in rural areas.
